Why FSBOs Are Rarer Than Ever — And Why That Might Surprise You

Some people think that selling a house on your own should be easier than ever these days. After all, with apps, listing platforms, digital contracts, and social media marketing, going FSBO (For Sale By Owner) feels doable. It’s easy to imagine just taking some photos, setting the price, putting it online and talking directly to buyers — all without the help (or cost) of an agent.

But despite all that easy-to-access technology, FSBOs are now at an all-time low — just 5% of all home sales, according to the National Association of Realtors.

Fewer people than ever are succeeding at selling on their own. So for anyone thinking tech should make it easier, that statistic is a little head-scratching.

FSBOs Who Failed Probably Saved Themselves From Losing Money

Even with all the tech at your fingertips, selling a house solo is a lot more complicated than posting it online and waiting for buyers to call. Pricing it correctly, marketing it to the right audience, negotiating offers, scheduling inspections, and navigating all the paperwork is a full-time job on top of, well, your actual life.

And it’s not just stressful — it can cost you. According to the National Association of Realtors, homes sold by FSBO sellers often sell for less than those sold with an agent, sometimes tens of thousands of dollars less. The median FSBO sale is around $360,000, while agent-assisted homes go for about $425,000 — nearly a 20% difference.

It’s not that more people don’t try to sell on their own. Many FSBO sellers eventually hire an agent after trying for a short period of time struggling to attract serious buyers. Fortunately, those who ended up going with an agent probably avoided selling for far less than their home was worth.

While the idea of FSBO sounds simple, the reality is that it takes more than technology to pull it off successfully. Selling your own home isn’t impossible, but it’s never been “easy,” and these numbers show just how rare it really is.

Agents Probably Just Make It Look Easy…

Some people look at an agent and think, “All they do is put a sign in the yard and list it online, right?” Not quite. There’s a lot more behind the scenes than most sellers realize — and it’s often the difference between a smooth sale and a stressful one that leaves money on the table.

Agents help set the right price, so your home attracts serious buyers without leaving money behind. They handle marketing — not just posting online, but targeting the right audience and presenting your home in the best possible light. They coordinate showings, negotiate offers, manage inspections, and make sure all the paperwork is completed correctly and on time.

Even with all the tech available today, those tasks require experience, timing, and knowledge of local market nuances. That’s why FSBOs often struggle — it’s easy to overlook a detail, misprice the home, or miss a motivated buyer. Agents are like a GPS through the selling process: you might get there on your own, but the guidance dramatically improves the odds of success.

But beyond all of the knowledge, skills, and work they provide, agents may be bringing more to the table in this day and age for other reasons…

What FSBOs Don’t Offer (That Buyers Quietly Rely On)

Part of what makes agents so valuable isn’t just their knowledge or paperwork skills — it’s the sense of trust and ease they bring to the process.

Many (if not most) buyers appreciate having someone in their corner. A professional who can coordinate showings, answer questions honestly, and guide them through what can be a complex, emotional experience.

FSBOs can unintentionally make that harder. Scheduling visits, navigating negotiations, or just knowing what to ask can feel awkward or uncertain. Even with all the tech available today, buyers can hesitate when there’s no professional intermediary to set the tone, answer questions, and provide reassurance.

In addition, people are more cautious now than ever. Between stories of scams, misinformation, and missteps online, buyers are on high alert. A licensed agent — with a career, a reputation, and legal obligations on the line — signals reliability. They smooth the path, provide clarity, and make the experience feel safer, even in a market that’s increasingly digital.

It’s not just about getting the home sold; it’s about making the whole experience workable, predictable, and comfortable for both sides. Buyers feel more at ease. Sellers get smoother transactions. That’s a big reason why FSBOs remain rare — even in an era of apps and online platforms, the human element matters more than ever.

The Takeaway:

Technology may make selling a home feel easier, but the results tell a different story. FSBOs are at an all-time low because most sellers discover that pricing, marketing, negotiating, coordinating, and protecting the deal is a lot harder — and riskier — than it looks. In addition, many buyers feel more comfortable working through a trusted professional, which can make FSBO sales even tougher.

Agents don’t just simplify the process; they help sellers get better outcomes. In a world full of apps, platforms, and DIY tools, the human element still makes the biggest difference.